Get up, get out, hike Arkansas!
If you need directions to a meeting place, please call the hike leader. If you would rather join the group closer to the trailhead, please add that in the comments as you sign up for the hike, and the hike leader will contact you about the best rendezvous.
EquipmentWhen hiking with the group, please bring all necessary personal items, such as water, lunch, sunscreen, etc., that you will need for an outdoor activity. Please be prepared for weather changes with rain gear and layers of clothing. Don't depend on fellow hikers to supply any of your needs. See our articles page for comments on hike equipment.
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Saturday, March 13th, 2010 Meet Time: 7:30 AM Sign Up Event: Athens/Big Fork Trail or Little Missouri Trail Meet Location: Location B – Central Mall parking lot between Sears and First National Bank, Fort Smith. GPS Location:Ouachita National Forest More Info: This is one of the most unique trails in the state. It was built over a hundred years ago as a mail route between the communities of Athens and Big Fork. It is a steep, tough 9-mile trail, but if you can make it, the trip is worth it for the views alone-especially during leaf-off, when it’s hard to keep your eyes on the trail! Bring lunch and water. Wilson will lead. If you are not up to 9.1 tough up and down miles, you might want to join Becky for a 4.5-mile hike along the Little Missouri River, designated a National and Wild Scenic River, ending at Little Missouri Falls. Sign up on the web site, www.thcfs.com and if you plan to hike the Little Missouri Trail, put Little MO in the comments section. You will need wading shoes for either hike.
Saturday, March 20th, 2010 Meet Time: 8:00 AM Sign Up Event: Lake Leatherwood Trail Meet Location: Location A – CV’s Grocery Store, 2805 Alma Hwy, Van Buren (across the street from Cloverleaf Plaza). GPS Location:Eureka Springs More Info: This 3.7-mile hike is rated easy. It circles the lake and goes across the dam that is made of cut limestone block, which at the time it was constructed in the 1930s was the largest one in the world of its kind. Some spring wildflowers may be blooming. Optional activities after the hike: Downtown Eureka Springs or Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (cost $15 or $10, if senior). Bring lunch and water. Kenya will lead. Saturday, March 27th, 2010 Meet Time: 7:30 AM Sign Up Event: Pinnacle Mountain Meet Location: Location A – CV’s Grocery Store, 2805 Alma Hwy, Van Buren (across the street from Cloverleaf Plaza). GPS Location:Little Rock, AR More Info: We will hike 4.5 miles by combining the West Summit Trail, East Summit Trail and Base Trail. The trail leads through a boulder field that requires scrambling and pulling oneself up through the rocks. There are spectacular views from the 1,011 foot summit of the Arkansas River, Lake Maumelle and the Ouachita Mountains. Hike is rated strenuous due to traversing the boulder field. Bring lunch, water and wear sturdy shoes. Drive time is 2.25 hours. Becky is hike leader.
RiskAlthough you are probably safer in the woods than you are in the city, you could be injured while traveling to or participating in a hike organized by the TrailBlazers Hiking Club. Our volunteer leaders are in no way responsible for your safety. You choose to hike and take the risk, so you are responsible for your own well being. Club leaders urge you to know your limits, take precaution and avoid risky behavior on the trail that could endanger you or others. If you do get hurt while on one of our outings, neither TrailBlazers Hiking Club nor our volunteer leaders accept responsibility. If you do not agree with this, please do us, and yourself, a favor by not participating. We don't want to sound harsh, but our rapid growth and large numbers require us to make this statement.